Viruses

Viral Disease Please put your name on the index card and the number of your beaker. List # 1-3 on the card. You will meet with 3 different people – Exchange one fact about viruses – Sign off on each other’s card – Be sure to write the other person’s name and beaker number on your card. Name & Beaker # #1 #2 #3

Viruses: Living or Nonliving? Not currently classified into any of the domains. Have names based on their own classification system. Does not have any of the “living” characteristics EXCEPT reproduction. Reproduction must involve infecting a host cell. Can NOT reproduce on their own. Much smaller than any living cell. Nearly all cells are vulnerable to infection by specific viruses.

Size Comparison

Virus Structure & Reproduction Structure: – Not made of cells. – Core of nucleic acid (DNA or RNA). – Surrounded by a protein coat = Capsid – Some have protective envelope with spikes of carbohydrate & protein. – Shape depends on capsid. – Very small = a billionth (10 -9 ) of a meter (nanometer)

Bacteriaphage

Types of Viruses Using pg. 435 please identify the types of viruses made of DNA or RNA: DNARNA

Viral Disease Pathogen = an agent that is harmful to living organisms. Viruses can infect all living things (bacteria, plants, animals) but are specific to a host. Viruses can not be treated with antibiotics, they have no effect on viruses. Vaccine = Weakened form or piece of a pathogen that simulates the immune system to defend against the pathogen.